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Parker Dawson 26
Designer: Robert Finch  ·  Builder: Parker Dawson Yachts  ·  First built: 1973
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About the Parker Dawson 26

A compact and capable pocket cruiser, the Parker Dawson 26 represents the kind of no-frills sailing that appeals to those looking for an accessible entry into coastal and estuary cruising. Designed with practicality in mind, this boat is well suited to sheltered waters and weekend adventures, offering a manageable size that makes it approachable for solo sailors or small crews without sacrificing the satisfaction of genuine sailing performance. While detailed specifications for the Parker Dawson 26 are limited in available records, boats of this size and style typically reflect a design philosophy focused on seaworthiness within their intended environment rather than offshore passage-making. The 26-foot length places it comfortably in the category of trailerable or marina-kept cruisers, balancing modest accommodation below decks with responsive handling on the water. For buyers researching budget-friendly or classic British-influenced designs, the Parker Dawson 26 may represent an interesting option worth investigating further. Prospective owners are encouraged to seek out existing owners and class communities to gather first-hand insight into the boat's true character and condition of available examples on the market.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.58 ft / 7.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.17 ft / 6.76 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 5.33 ft / 1.62 m
Min Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 5,700.00 lb / 2,585 kg
Ballast 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 271.00 ft² / 25.18 m²
Headroom 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/plywood cored deck
Designer Robert Finch
Builder Parker Dawson Yachts
First Built 1973
Last Built 1982
Related Sailboats Dawson 26 · Oday 26 · Hunter 255 · Irwin 25 · Ericson 26 2
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
13.63
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
23.8
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.79
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.31
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.96
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 633.73
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 29.25
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 24.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.33
SA Fore 146.25
SA Main 123.96
How It Compares

vs. Dawson 26, Ericson 26 2, Hunter 255, Irwin 25, Oday 26

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Parker Dawson 26 ★
25.6 ft
Dawson 26
25.6 ft
Ericson 26 2
25.8 ft
Hunter 255
25.6 ft
Irwin 25
25.4 ft
Oday 26
25.7 ft
LWL
Parker Dawson 26 ★
22.2 ft
Dawson 26
22.2 ft
Ericson 26 2
21.9 ft
Hunter 255
22.1 ft
Irwin 25
20.5 ft
Oday 26
21.6 ft
Beam
Parker Dawson 26 ★
8.0 ft
Dawson 26
8.0 ft
Ericson 26 2
9.3 ft
Hunter 255
9.1 ft
Irwin 25
8.0 ft
Oday 26
8.0 ft
Displacement
Parker Dawson 26 ★
5 lbs
Dawson 26
4 lbs
Ericson 26 2
5 lbs
Hunter 255
4 lbs
Irwin 25
5 lbs
Oday 26
4 lbs
Ballast
Parker Dawson 26 ★
1 lbs
Dawson 26
1 lbs
Ericson 26 2
2 lbs
Hunter 255
1 lbs
Irwin 25
2 lbs
Oday 26
1 lbs
Sail Area
Parker Dawson 26 ★
271 sq ft
Dawson 26
271 sq ft
Ericson 26 2
326 sq ft
Hunter 255
282 sq ft
Irwin 25
315 sq ft
Oday 26
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
Dawson 26
222 s/nm
Ericson 26 2
234 s/nm
Hunter 255
Irwin 25
207 s/nm
Oday 26
237 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
13.6
Dawson 26
15.5
Ericson 26 2
17.3
Hunter 255
16.6
Irwin 25
16.4
Oday 26
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
Dawson 26
Ericson 26 2
42.9 %
Hunter 255
40.0 %
Irwin 25
40.7 %
Oday 26
38.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
23.8
Dawson 26
19.6
Ericson 26 2
18.2
Hunter 255
15.9
Irwin 25
23.8
Oday 26
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
1.79
Dawson 26
1.91
Ericson 26 2
2.13
Hunter 255
2.20
Irwin 25
1.83
Oday 26
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
Dawson 26
Ericson 26 2
222
Hunter 255
186
Irwin 25
279
Oday 26
213
Hull Speed
Parker Dawson 26 ★
6.3 kts
Dawson 26
6.3 kts
Ericson 26 2
6.3 kts
Hunter 255
6.3 kts
Irwin 25
6.1 kts
Oday 26
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Parker Dawson 26 ★
2.0
Dawson 26
2.6
Ericson 26 2
2.5
Hunter 255
2.8
Irwin 25
1.9
Oday 26
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